News Releases

Attorney General Jones Secures Major Legal Victory Upholding Virginia’s In-State Tuition Law  

RICHMOND, Va. -- Today, a federal court sided with the Commonwealth in what is a major legal victory in defense of Virginia’s in-state tuition law. The decision comes after the prior Attorney General’s administration attempted to invalidate the law by entering into a consent decree with the federal government in the final moments of its term. That collusive result would have threatened the futures of numerous Virginia students. Prior to taking office, Attorney General-elect Jones committed to reversing course and made it a Day One Priority to defend the Commonwealth’s statutes and protect students' access to affordable higher education.  

“Today’s ruling is a win for Virginia’s students and for our Commonwealth’s future. When I took office, I promised the people of the Commonwealth that I would reverse my predecessor's position and fight back against the Trump administration's attacks on our students and institutions of higher education. I’m proud to say that today we did just that,” said Attorney General Jones. “Students who grow up in Virginia and whose families contribute to the state’s tax base deserve access to affordable, in-state higher education, and this ruling affirms that Virginia is best equipped to make that decision, not Donald Trump. This office will never stop fighting to protect every student who calls Virginia home.”  

The district court noted the "virtual certainty of appeal," and if the Trump Administration files that appeal, the Attorney General remains ready to fight it and protect the Commonwealth's laws against Donald Trump's intrusions on Virginia's sovereignty.